WHAT DOES THE Barclay NAME MEAN?
The early form of the Barclay name is Berchelai and was believed to be the Anglo-Saxon version of 'beau' meaning beautiful, and 'lee', a meadow or field.

WHERE DOES THE Barclay CLAN HAIL FROM?
Roger de Berchelai came to England with William the Conqueror and was granted Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Roger's son, John, was granted the lands of Towie, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, as well as the title, Barclay of that Ilk.

Roger de Berchelai was mentioned in the Domesday Book as well as his son, John. In 1069 John de Berchelai accompanied Margaret (later St. Margaret) to Scotland. In gratitude for his service, King Malcolm (Canmore) granted him the lands of Towie, near Turriff, in Aberdeenshire, as well as the title, Barclay of that llk. 900 years of Barclay history in Scotland descend from John's three sons, Walter, Alexander, and Richa.